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Frequently Asked Questions about GIS:
Frequently Asked Questions about USING Wayland GIS:
Don't see your Question listed here? Download the Wayland GIS Instruction Manual (Requires Adobe Reader Software - click on link below to download free software), or contact the GIS Coordinator.
Frequent Questions about GIS:
What is GIS? GIS is the acronym for Geographic Information System. GIS is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information (Source Information: http://www.gis.com).
What is the history of Wayland GIS? The Town of Wayland implemented GIS in 1994. Since then, GIS use has steadily increased throughout the global community. In 2002, Wayland launched an online, interactive geographic web service, referred to as Wayland GIS. This service uses ESRI software technology to provide Wayland employees and the public,
with an ability to view, analyze, and print out current online geographic information.
What kind of data is displayed on Wayland GIS? A variety of geographic information can be viewed and analyzed using Wayland GIS. Parcel boundaries are the most common requested GIS data layer. However, there are over 30 other data layers available on the GIS, including building footprints, historic landmarks, school districts, streets, wetlands, and zoning overlays.
What is Metadata? Metadata is the term for a record or file, containing information which captures the general characteristics for a specific GIS data layer. Basically, each metadata record catalogs core library elements such as Title, Abstract, and Publication Date; geographic elements such as Geographic Extent and Projection Information. (Source Information: http://www.fgdc.gov/metadata).
What is Orthophotography? Why does vegetation appear "red" in this imagery? Orthophotography is enhanced aerial photography, adjusted to display a three-dimensional surface area (i.e., the earth) onto a flat surface area (i.e., a computer screen). This adjustment process, known as "Orthocorrection", provides a geometrically-consistent, true map image. Since Orthophotography is adjusted to match the qualities of a map, it can be used in relation with other Town GIS data layers. The Orthophotography displayed on Wayland GIS uses color infrared (CIR) film. CIR
imagery is sensitive to red, green, and near-infrared spectrum wavelengths. Therefore, the dyes that are used in CIR film render green objects as blue images, red objects as green images, and objects that primarily reflect infrared as red images. Because healthy vegetation reflects strongly in the near infrared, these areas will appear red or pink on the imagery. Additionally, the appearance of water in CIR imagery is highly variable and dependent on the water depth, with relation to floating vegetation and suspended matter. Water depths can range in color from olive to turquoise, or deep blue to black. Barren areas are highly reflective at all spectrum wavelengths, and therefore they frequently appear very bright in a CIR image (Source Information: http://www.ndop.gov).
- How accurate are the GIS data layers? Although the Survey Department regularly attempts to ensure the accuracy of all Town GIS data layers, the Town of Wayland makes no warranties, expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of these data. The Town of Wayland does not assume any liability associated with the use or misuse of any geographic information. The geographic information
provided by this web service should only be used for planning purposes, and may not be adequate for legal boundary definition, regulatory interpretation, or property conveyance.
How current are the GIS data layers? Town GIS data layers are constantly updated and maintained, according to the discretion of the Survey Department. Primary GIS data layers (i.e., parcels and streets) are usually updated at least once a year, based on high demand for this information, and the frequency of change to the data. Certain layers (i.e., utility poles and building footprints) were originally acquired from
outside organizations or consultants, and therefore these data layers may not be updated on a regular basis, due to the lack of time and resources necessary to keep the information current.
- How can I obtain Town of Wayland maps and/or data, without using online GIS? The Town of Wayland provides a variety of additional mapping and GIS data services. You can download many Town Maps online. Town maps can also be purchased at the Survey Department. The Town of Wayland charges fees to cover printing and media costs for all product requests. These costs vary, based on media type, size, and the number of copies requested. Custom maps can be requested by contacting the GIS Coordinator. Important! All custom mapping requests are subject to approval. The Town of Wayland is NOT responsible for fulfilling any personal mapping requests. Fees charged for custom maps will vary, based upon staff scheduling, data availability, and the amount of time determined necessary to complete a request. If you have access to ESRI software, you can purchase a CD ROM of current Town GIS data layers. Before purchasing any GIS data or custom maps, you will need to sign a data release form. GIS data
and maps are NOT to be distributed or resold to other agencies, organizations, companies, or individuals without obtaining prior written consent from the Town of Wayland, Massachusetts.
Frequent Questions about using Wayland GIS:
- Why should I use Wayland GIS? Using Wayland GIS allows you to access Town GIS data layers, based upon your individual needs. The functionality offered through this web service allows you complete control over the geographic elements you wish to analyze and/or create a map of. You can also print out or save any maps that you create from your session.
- How do I use Wayland GIS? Upon accepting the terms listed in the Disclaimer form, you will be directed to the online GIS viewer. Depending on your Internet connection speed, it may take a few minutes to load the GIS server. Once the town map appears, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the different functionalities offered throughout the site. Select items from the pull-down menus, experiment with the "zoom" and "pan" tools, explore the "layer" and "legend" tabs. You can always restart your session by pressing the (F5 key), or clicking the
"Restart" button, located at the top-right corner of your web browser screen. Listed below are answers to some common questions about using the online GIS viewer. If you need further assistance, please download the Wayland GIS Instruction Manual.
- How do I select and view data layers? Start a Wayland GIS session and click the layers tab, located on the right side of the Wayland GIS interface screen. Inside the layers window, examine the list of GIS layers. Next to these layers are "check boxes". Click inside the boxes to select data layers (multiple choices can be selected). To make your selected layers appear on the map, you must click the "Refresh" button at the bottom of the layers window. Important! Any layer selection changes you make, will not appear on the map image until you click the "Refresh" button at the bottom of
the layers window. To select or unselect all of the GIS data layers, click on the "All" or "Clear" buttons, respectively. Make sure you click on the "Refresh" button afterwards, to update your map image! Some layers are NOT visible at certain scales: Certain GIS data layers (i.e., parcels and contours) will not display at certain map scales. These layers are "scale-referenced", meaning you must "zoom in" to a certain point before the data appears visible. Scale-referencing reduces unnecessary "clutter" on a map image, and it also allows the map image to load faster. For additional help with selecting and viewing data layers, please download the Wayland GIS Instruction Manual.
How do I find a specific property address? Start a Wayland GIS session and examine the button icons ("zoom" and "pan" tools), located on the left side of Wayland GIS interface screen. If you roughly know the geographic area where your property search address is located, you can use these "zoom" and "pan" tools to ultimately find the address area on the map image. If you do not know where your property search address is located, then click on the "Locate Parcel" button. After clicking the "Locate Parcel" button, three new buttons should appear on the lower
left side of your computer screen: "Search By Owner", "Search by Parcel ID", and "Search by Address". Click on any of these buttons, type in the necessary information, and click "search". For additional help with locating properties, please download the Wayland GIS Instruction Manual.
What are Quick Maps? Quick Maps allow you to easily choose from a selection of pre-designed thematic maps, so you can avoid searching for numerous data layers when creating a map. Start a Wayland GIS session and locate the "Quick Maps.." dropdown menu at the top of the Wayland GIS interface screen. From the dropdown menu, you can select a map, simply by clicking on it. Available Quick Maps include: Base layers, Contours, DPW Layers, Flood Layers, Overlay Districts, Parcels (with or without Orthophotography), Voting Districts, and Zoning. For additional help with using Quick
Maps, please download the Wayland GIS Instruction Manual.
- How do I obtain an approximate distance measurement? Start a Wayland GIS session and "zoom in" to the area you wish to measure. Next, select the "Measure" option from the "Quick Tools.." dropdown menu, located near the "Quick Maps.." dropdown menu (the top of the Wayland GIS interface screen). After selecting the "Measure" tool, a red box should appear in the upper-left corner of the map image, displaying "Total" measurement and "Segment" measurement, in feet. Now, use your mouse to locate the starting point of measurement, and click. Drag your mouse to
the next point and click again. Repeat this process as necessary. To clear your selections, click on the "Clear Selection" button, located on the left side of your web browser screen. Important! All measurements are approximate, and represent straight-line distance, or "as the crow flies". For additional help with distance measuring, please download the Wayland GIS Instruction Manual.
- How do I print out the map I created? Why am I having difficulty printing? Upon completion of a Wayland GIS session, you can print out your map by selecting the "Print Map" button, located on the left side of the Wayland GIS interface screen. After clicking the "Print Map" button, you will have the option to type in a title for your map, and select the paper size for printing your map (these options will appear on the right side of the Wayland GIS interface screen). Once you are satisfied with your selections, click the "Preview Map" button. This will open a new web browser window. Important! If your web browser's "pop-up blocker" is enabled, your map will NOT preview, or print. To correct this problem, you must locate the settings in your web browser, and turn
the pop-up blocker OFF. If you are satisfied with your map in the "Preview Map" window, use your web browser to select your print options, and then print the map. If you need to modify your map, you can close out of the "Preview Map" window, and return to the original browser containing your map data. Important! All maps are designed to print landscape orientation. To maximize the paper space for your map image, you might have to change your printer's settings (refer to the instructions that came with your printer). For additional help with printing maps, please download the Wayland GIS Instruction Manual.
Who do I contact for further information about Wayland GIS? For further information, please contact the GIS Coordinator at 508-358-3654. You are also welcome to stop by the Survey Department during normal business hours (Mondays: 8AM until 7PM, Tuesdays through Thursdays: 8AM until 4 PM, Fridays: 8AM until 12:30PM). Important! To ensure timely service, please schedule appointments in advance.
Staff is occasionally out of the office conducting field work, or involved with completing project deadlines.
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